There was an increase in fire activity today when the inversion lifted. Smoke could be seen from the valley near Etna. Most of the increased fire activity was in the northeast corner of the complex. Fire growth was to the west and north, but still below the dozer line along Yellow Jacket Ridge. Helicopters were used to slow the fires’ progress. Firefighters completed the structure defense perimeter in the Idlewild area and along Sawyers Bar Road to Whites Gulch.

Tonight, firefighters will monitor constructed lines and defense perimeters around structures throughout the fire area. A red flag warning is in effect starting at 11:00 p.m. for potential dry thunderstorms.

Fire Behavior and Smoke:

The Boulder and Shelly Fires are still separated by the Little North Fork drainage, but are expected to combine into one fire. Limited fire spread is expected tonight because of nighttime conditions.

Sawyer’s Bar Road is closed to public traffic from Etna Summit to the Forks of Salmon. Residents, with proof of residency, will be allowed through the closure. Residents may encounter one-way traffic control within the closure area. The Salmon River Road is closed west of Forks of Salmon.

For tips on how to prepare for a potential evacuation and what to do if you are evacuated, residents are encouraged to visit the “Ready, Set, Go” website at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/

Please make sure you mow early in the mornings when it is cooler and not on windy days. For fire prevention information visit “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire” at http://www.preventwildfireca.org